Flying from Columbus to Chicago: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Columbus to Chicago. Explore your options for taking off from Port Columbus Airport (CMH) or Columbus Rickenbacker Airport (LCK), two of the city's main airports.
The major arrival points in Chicago are Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
Hop on a direct Columbus to Chicago flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-6, which is one hour behind Columbus.
With 108 weekly flights between the two airports, Port Columbus Airport (CMH) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Columbus to Chicago with American Airlines at 05:24. If you prefer to get more out of your day before you fly, the latest departure from CMH to ORD is with American Airlines at 20:49.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your Columbus to Chicago flight.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Columbus to Chicago
Currently, ر.ق. 285 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Columbus to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is ر.ق. 570. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book two months before you travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Columbus to Chicago flights.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Columbus to Chicago is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Columbus to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Columbus to Chicago flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Columbus
Port Columbus Airport (CMH)
You can book a direct flight from Columbus to Chicago jetting out of Port Columbus Airport (CMH). Begin your trip at CMH and then fly into Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
Well-known carriers that offer direct Columbus to Chicago plane tickets from CMH include:
CMH is about 10 kilometres from central Columbus. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 40 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Columbus to Chicago? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to Port Columbus Airport:
When it comes to Port Columbus Airport's on-time performance, 77% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find CMH at 4600 International Gateway.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is roughly 26 kilometres. It'll take you about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Columbus to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Travel at your own pace with a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and discover more of Chicago and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance of your trip.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Columbus to Chicago has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 25 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take about 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Columbus to Chicago, settle in at a hotel close to MDW. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid paying extra. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW can land you a better rate.
Chicago Midway Airport is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Step off your flight from Columbus to Chicago and go directly to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to reach driving.
If you use public transport, expect a journey of about 2 hours.
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Chicago Rockford Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National are dependable companies for booking.
If you'd like a particular type of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at getting what you want. Book your ride from RFD a few weeks ahead of your flight from Columbus to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford Airport's official address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
July is the busiest month for flights from Columbus to Chicago. To skip the crowds, go to Chicago in March.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 28ºC. Book your Columbus to Chicago ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Columbus to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC and 3ºC.
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from Columbus to Chicago:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower are top attractions which should be on every Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've done Chicago, now it's time to explore more of the United States. Travel around 451 kilometres southeast to Columbus to tick off its top sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in the United States. Start your sightseeing at Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
